Did you know passing a comment on homosexuality, which is often regarded as a hate speech could lead to some travel bans? Heads of state stand the risk of destroying diplomatic ties and a cut in foreign aid for passing such near comments. This is one reason presidents, including the President of Ghana, always find intelligent ways to respond to questions on homosexual legalisation.
Most people are often too religious and usually come up with comments that are described as ‘hate’ when conversations on gay legalisation comes up. It is no surprise pastors and some other religious workers whose major source of income is from gay-friendly countries unfailingly tight-lipped over issues on gay and refuse to pass comments.
It appears that a very small gay community worldwide is powerful enough to subdue a religious majority to enjoy their rights to the extent of even preventing Christians from quoting Bible verses that speak against homosexuals. Passing a hate comment or speech, or delivering a sermon which condemns homosexuality could lead to a travel ban to several countries that include the United States, United Kingdom and also, South Africa.
Ugandan pop star Bobi Wine, presently a Member of Parliament in his country, was denied a visa to the UK after gay rights campaigners accused him of inciting homophobic attacks in his song. A popular anti-gay pastor, Steven Anderson and members, including associates of his church Faithful Word Baptist Church have all been prohibited from entering South Africa. Steven Anderson is also serving a ban by Botswana for the same reason.
Gordon Larmour, a Christian evangelist was accused of a hate crime and locked up in a cell after preaching from the Bible to a gay teenager. He was charged by police after telling the story of Adam and Eve to a 19-year-old who asked him about the Bible’s position on homosexuality. The street preacher who referred to the Book of Genesis stated that God created Adam and Eve to produce children.
Fake news some months ago had it that Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams had been banned from traveling to the U.S for failing to officiate gay marriage. Though it was a fake reportage, it was a splendid opportunity for the renowned archbishop to declare his stand on gay marriage. The outspoken Archbishop, however, kept mute on this subject. This should tell travel lovers how their comments, even on social media could affect their travels.
You are responsible for whatever you post, or tagged in on social media. At the point of my entry into Singapore, I was asked to provide my social media handles. The officer went through them before granting me pass. Other borders may go the extra mile to read your Whatsapp chats and laptop so please beware!
Travel lovers should be wary of their comments on homosexuality as they potentially may lead to travel bans to several countries. Christians, usually victims, are no longer enjoying absolute freedom of worship in gay-friendly countries as it is somehow prohibited for the religion to quote verses like Leviticus 20:13 and 1 Corinthians 6:9 in their teachings.
For me, I will declare my stand on homosexuality after winning the fight against fornication in my church today. Until then, let’s enjoy traveling!
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